Summer’s in full effect, it’s hot as hell, and the best cure is ice cream. Fact. I have a couple personal favorites, but always up for trying the newest thing on the scene. So when 10Below opened up in Chinatown last week, I had to be one of the first to check it out. 

It was especially hot out, and there was a healthy line. Since everything is made to order, and each order is pretty involved, it takes a bit longer than your average scoop spot. They’re the first to bring Thai-inspired ice cream rolls to NYC, using an advanced cold plate that reaches temperatures well below -10°F (hence, the name). Luckily, they had an angel, in the form of a young water-pourer, to hydrate the people in line.

I finally made it downstairs into the shop, hip-hop music bumping and the guys behind the counter enthusiastically singing along to every song, making it a fun environment. Many of the menu items are also named with hip-hop references and influences. Because, you gotta have a good beat when you’re mashing up all those ingredients, and smoothing them out, to roll up into, well, ice-cream-roll-ups? 

I ordered the Peanut Butter and Jealous (Peanut Butter, Fig Jelly, Captain Crunch, and Condensed Milk), and added Bananas as a topping. This was a real delight. The ice cream itself looks cool, but, it also tastes great too. It’s rich and creamy, no ice chip appearances here. Flavor wise, it had a nice, light, hint of all of the flavors. I got the peanut butter more than the fig jelly, which, I would have loved, but, it was still really delicious, and the cereal and condensed milk added a great touch. 

The Shorts:
Name: 10Below Ice Cream
Location: 10 Mott Street, NYC
The Long and Short: Would I go back? Yes. A couple of the other flavors really stood out to me, so, I gotta try them out. Next time, hopefully without the long line. 
Would I recommend it? Go get your (ice cream) roll on, it’s worth it.